The One Step Every Maryland Mortgage Program Buyer Has to Take
You found the right program. You checked your credit. You are ready to start touring homes.
But there is one requirement many buyers do not hear about until late in the process: the Maryland homebuyer education course.
If you plan to use Maryland Mortgage Program financing or down payment assistance, this class is not optional. The good news is that it is simple, and you can often finish it online.
👉 Take the 60-Second Quiz to see which programs you may qualify for.
Who Has to Take a Homebuyer Education Course in Maryland?
According to the Maryland Mortgage Program, all borrowers must complete homebuyer education before loan approval. The only exception is refinance borrowers.
That includes buyers using:
- MMP 1st Time Advantage loans
- MMP Flex loans
- Maryland SmartBuy
- The Montgomery Homeownership Program
- First Homes for First Responders and Teachers
Many county and city programs require a class too, and some set their own rules.
Which Classes Count?
MMP accepts classes approved by HUD, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Online options listed by MMP include:
- Framework (HUD-approved, Spanish available)
- HomeView (Fannie Mae approved, Spanish available)
- Arch MI (HUD and Freddie Mac approved)
- HOPE (HUD-approved, Spanish available)
- Essent (HUD-approved, Spanish available)
- MGIC Finally Home! (HUD-approved)
You can also work with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. Some classes are free and some charge a registration fee, so check before you sign up.
When Should You Take It?
Two timing rules matter:
- Before your contract: MMP strongly encourages you to finish the course before signing a purchase contract
- Within 12 months of settlement: your certificate must be issued no more than 12 months before closing
Taking it early keeps your file moving and helps you understand the process before you make an offer.
What You Will Learn
Most courses cover:
- Budgeting and how much home you can afford
- Credit scores and how lenders review them
- Loan types like FHA, VA and conventional
- Closing costs and what to expect at settlement
- Protecting your home after you move in
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Make sure every borrower on the loan completes the course
- Save your certificate as a PDF and send it to your lender right away
- Use the exact names that will appear on your loan
- If you use a county program, ask whether it requires a specific provider
Once your class is done, the next step is matching your income, county and credit to the right program. Our guide for first-time homebuyers walks through it.
FAQ
Is the Maryland homebuyer education course required?
Yes, for Maryland Mortgage Program purchase loans. All borrowers must complete an approved class before loan approval.
Can I take the class online?
Yes. MMP lists several approved online options, including Framework and HomeView.
How long is my certificate good for?
It must be issued within 12 months before your settlement date.
Do both borrowers need to take it?
MMP requires all borrowers to complete homebuyer education.
Does the class cost money?
Some classes are free and some charge a registration fee.
Why Maryland Buyers Work With Joe Salem’s Team
Program rules change. Funding windows open and close. Lenders and loan types have to line up just right.
- Experience with FHA, VA, conventional and Maryland Mortgage Program financing
- Guidance on stacking state, county and employer assistance the right way
- In-house real estate support from Dave Wheaton to help structure strong offers
- Clear answers before you sign anything
Stop Guessing. Start Qualifying.
You do not need to read program PDFs line by line. In about 60 seconds, we can help you see which Maryland programs may fit your income, county and loan type.
👉 Take the 60-Second Maryland Down Payment Assistance Quiz
Program details are based on Maryland Mortgage Program information published by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development at the time of writing. Terms, rates, limits and funding can change at any time, and not every buyer will qualify. This article is general information, not a commitment to lend or an offer of credit. Maryland Down Payment Assistance is not a government agency or non-profit. Joe Salem, NMLS #180651. Equal Housing Opportunity.